Toy for blowing bubbles



May 13, 1969 Filed Aug. 24, 1967 J. R. EHRLICH TOY FOR BLOWING BUBBLESSheet I lNl/ENTOR. Joseph R. Ehrlich l\\\\ \\\m I I I I I// I I I N U o(I) by Sparrow and Sparrow ATTORNEYS.

y 1969 J. R. EHRLICH 3,443,337

TOY FOR BLOWING BUBBLES Sheet 2 of2 Filed Aug. 24, 1967 INVENTOR. JosephR.Ehrlich Sporrow ond'sporrow I ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,443,337 TOY FOR BLOWING BUBBLES Joseph R.Ehrlich, 350 W. 31st St., New York, N.Y. 10001 Filed Aug. 24, 1967, Ser.No. 663,017 Int. Cl. A631 33/28 US. Cl. 466 5 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A childs toy bubble pipe is provided which has a tube forblowing air by mouth to a loosely stretched membrane for containing acharge of fluid within its minute interstices. The membrane inhibitsdistasteful back-flow of fluid to the childs mouth and on flexing, dueto fluctuations of air flow, continually produces bubble forming filmsthroughout its entirety which in turn enable the blowing of continuouschains of bubbles.

Bakground of the invention This invention relates to a device forblowing so-called soap bubbles. Water solutions of soap such assolutions of the reaction products of natural fats and oils with alkalisare rarely used at present for this purpose. Instead commercial bubblesolutions are used, mostly based on the surface activity of detergentsand similar products. However, for simplicity all bubbles in thisspecification, regardless of what bubble-forming material they are made,shall be called soap bubbles.

Hereofore it has been known that soap bubbles of all sizes withinreasonable limits can be produced, mostly for the enjoyment of childrenor for stage effects, by first forming a plain film of soap solutionspanning the gap formed by the edge of the open end of a tube or by aring or any noncircular shape as produced by a metal wire or any otherwire-shaped material, or by the edges of an opening or hole punched intoa flat piece of sheeting, and producing a slight air movement directedtoward the soap film, which will detach the film from its supportwhereby the film immediately assumes the shape of a sphere filled withair and which is generally called a bubble. These bubbles may be carriedby air and appear to be flying until they break.

The air movement can be produced by gentle blowing against the soapsolution film or by moving the device rapidly with the film, therebycreating the necessary air movement. It has also been known to producefoam by pressing air or any other gas into a soap solution.

Summary of the invention A toy for blowing a variety of differentlyshaped soap bubble formations such as continuous bubble chains,garlands, foam sculptures, clusters of middle-sized bubbles, individualgiant bubbles, etc., comprising a tubular member with an exchangeablehead, end-piece or adapter or other bubble forming device, which isdetachably airtight-fastened to one open end of said tubular member. Thebubble forming device may consist of a funnelshaped piece made of highlyflexible, soft plastic or rubber, a small pouch made of laced, napped,looped or ice knitted fabric, plastic grillage, metal neting, coarselyor finely woven or nonwoven fabric and similarly patterned closures orother fibrous material. Such end-piece may have a built-in valve or .anair-flow dampening device. The head or bubble forming device may bepermanently attached, or detachable from the tubular member so that itmay be exchangeable.

By dipping the end-piece into a bubble solution and blowing gently intothe mouth end of the tube after having withdrawn it from the solution,bubbles in various shapes and sequences can be formed, depending on thethe individual end-piece used. Such bubble formations can be made by oneor several individuals who may join together their respective bubbleformations.

In a principal aspect of the invention a tubular member, preferably astraight or elongated plastic tube, with an inner diameter ofapproximately /2 inch and a length of approximately 7 inches is used towhich an exchangeable head, end-piece or other bubble forming device isattached by means of a tightly fitting ring which may be of elastic ornonelastic or nonelastic material, and which is slipped together withbubble forming device over the tube, so as to connect the end-piece withthe tubular member in an air-tight manner.

It is an object of the invention to produce special-sized bubbles orspecial-sized bubble formations by blowing gently into the tube. Bychanging the interchangeable endpieces or adapters various types ofbubble formations can be produced, depending on the nature of theadapter.

It is another object of the invention to produce long chains andgarlands consisting of interconnected bubbles which emerge from theend-piece and which are directionally oriented in string-like fashion.Such chains and garlands may reach considerable length such as from 12to 10 feet, depending on the quality of the bubble solution, the bubblesize, the skill of the operator and other factors as hereinafter will beexplained (for example FIGS. lll4).

The size of such bubbles in a chain may vary between A of an inch to 2inches or more, but the preferred size are chains consisting of bubbleswith /2 to 1 inch diameter. Such chains have a considerable life and mayprevail for many minutes up to half an hour or even an hour Withoutbreaking or disappearing. They can be scooped up by hand and be carried.If two persons are blowing chains or garlands from similar devices theymay start standing close together, so that the chains emerging from eachbubble forming device or adapter touch each other. The persons, each bysteadily regressing and constantly blowing into the tubular member, canextend such garlands over a distance as much as 8 to 10 feet or more.More than two persons, for instance four, five or six, may start blowingin a similar way, starting from a center point and regressing indifferent directions, and can form giant star-like patterns of garlands.Then length of such chains or garlands is only limited by their finalweight which might finally cause a chain to break at one point, butwithout destroying the chain itself (for example FIG. 12).

Such chains or garlands are being best produced by a bubble formingdevice or an adapter consisting of a relatively small pouch which can beslipped over the tube and which may consist of a napped cloth or a clothwith cut or uncut loops such as material known as terry cloth, the typewhich is being used in bath towels. Such pouches absorb a relativelylarge amount of soap solution to provide enough material for longchains. By gently pressing air through the tube or tubular member,bubbles form through the pores, pile or loops of the pouch and streamforward in one continuous narrow stream as long as enough pressure issustained (for example FIGS. 3, 4, 12, 13, 14).

By using either double layers of terry cloth or one layer of tighterwoven cloth or by using cloth with loops on one side only or looselywoven cloth, garlands of smaller or larger diameter can be made. Thesmall-diameter garlands have an average of about one inch and arecomposed of smaller bubbles which are produced by tighter woven fabricsor double layers of fabric. It is advantageous or preferable to use asmall pouch rather than a tightly stretched fabric as the bubble formingend-piece or head connected to the tubular member because a tightlystretched fabric will give similar bubble chains, though slightlysmaller in diameter, but does not hold as much liquid as a pouch andtherefore holds less supply for production of long chains. An increasedliquid supply can, however, be provided for by putting a small piece ofsurgical cotton, which will hold additional liquid, behind the air-flowdampening fabric. Another difference between a stretched fabric and apouch at the end of the tube is that the increased surface of the pouchprovides for garlands with larger diameter. However, it is to beunderstood that the invention embraces the use of tight fabric (forexample FIG.

The bubbles emerging from such laced, napped or looped bubble formingdevices are directly interconnected, continuous and directionallyoriented, substantially in one direction. These string-like orientedformations are especially pronounced when the bubble forming devicecomprises terry cloth, preferably in the form of a pouch. Instead ofusing tightly woven, mapped or looped fabrics it is possible to useother knitted or netted or laced material such as plastic or metalnetting. Fiberglas, etc. Other formations such as grape-like clusters,spirals, etc. can be produced depending on the pattern and nature of thebubble forming end-piece and eventually on the method of blowing. Forinstance, by blowing a garland and simultaneously turning the pipe ortubular member in a circular way, the garland tends to form a spiral; asanother example, by rotating the same while blowing one can wind thebubble string into a ball.

Instead of using one pouch as a bubble forming adapter one can use amultiple pouch adapter (for example, FIGS. 11, 13, 14). By using aT-shaped piece with a. center-opening fastened to the pipe, two pouches,one on each side of the T in horizontal position, will produce twoseparate chains, moving downwards by gravity. Using a Y-shaped piece ina similar Way, the two chains which will emerge might gradually join toform one garland with a diameter twice as big.

Likewise a plurality of parallel chains can be produced by using abubble forming adapter which is in the shape of a drum (for example FIG.11). Other forms of chains are possible.

Individual giant bubbles also may be formed (for example FIG. 1).

Various further and more specific purposes, features and advantages willclearly appear from the detailed description given below taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings which form part of thisspecification and illustrate merely by way of examples of embodiments ofthe device of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings In the following description and inthe claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience,but such names are intended to be as generic in their application tosimilar parts as the art will permit. Like referonce characters denotelike parts in the several figures of the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a view of the device according to the invention in the formseen in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 depict further embodiments of the invention alsoshowing some types of materials for use as flexible members for thebubble blowing device;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show applications of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.3 and 4;

FIGS. 9, 9a, 10, 16 depict other examples of materials for use inconnection with the bubble blowing device;

FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of device according to the invention;and

FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate additional types and uses of devicesmade in accordance with the invention.

The device according to the invention comprises essentially a tubularmember 20, preferably elongated, made of any suitable materialpreferably plastic, to which is connected a bubble forming device whichmay be either permanently attached to tubular member 20 or varieties ofwhich may be in the form of exchangeable end-pieces, heads or adapters,several of which examples are depicted in the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a type of bubble forming flexible member 21, toproduce individual large bubbles which, on the average, may have adiameter of 10 to 14 inches or even a greater diameter. Flexible memberor end-piece 21 may be exchangeable or permanently connected to tubularmember 20. Such bubble forming member or end-piece 21 consists of afunnel-shaped, highly flexible or even drapable material. Such materialcan be thin polymeric material such as rubber or plastic, for instanceof the kind being used for inflatable balloons or thin plastic such aspolyethylene or vinyl polymer, etc. Such funnel-shaped end-pieces cannormally fold up and be in a collapsed position while, when fully spreadout, the widest diameter of the funnel might be from 1 /2 up to 2, 3 oreven more inches. The advantage of the extreme flexibility offunnel-shaped end-piece 21 is that, while the bubble is being formed, itis frequently moving because of air currents to a point where the bubblemay break away. The highly flexible funnel end can move along with suchair fluctuations and can easily adapt itself to the continuouslychanging shape of the bubble. Thus it is possible to blow bubbles with adiameter as big as two feet or more. It takes several minutes to blowsuch a large bubble with a gentle air stream from a relatively narrowtube 20. If such a funnel were of rigid nature, the bubble would breaklong before it can reach that size.

A bubble of a diameter of two feet has a volume of about 30 gallons ofair. To blow a bubble of that size by mouth is not quite easy. Tofacilitate the blowing of such big bubbles one can use wider tubes forblowing, or one can connect such tubes with a hair dryer or the exhaustof a vacuum cleaner or a similar mechanical blower.

To control and slow down the flow of air it is preferable to place atthe end of the tubular member or blowing pipe 20 an airflow dampeningdevice such as a valve or a piece of narrow woven fabric. By slowingdown the flow of air the chances of blowing bigger bubbles areconsiderably better. A fast stream of air causes the formation ofelongated bubbles which are harder to control. A slowed-down stream ofair makes a bubble in the form of a sphere which gradually grows andcontinuously maintains a substantially spherical shape. A piece offabric stretched over and covering the end opening of the tube and helddown with a retainer 23, for example, a rubber or other elastic band orring, can provide a satisfactory dampening effect. Such a fabric shouldhave from about 28 to 42 interstices to the linear centimeter. It couldbe a fabric which has for instance about 29 and 41 threads of wrap andfilling, respectively. Once the dampener is fastened to the front end oftubular member 20, the neck 21a of the funnel-shaped adapter 21 isslipped over such end.

Another advantage of using a thin highly flexible material as the bubbleforming member or adapter 21 for blowing large bubbles, is that whenfunnel-shaped it can be manipulated to be dipped into a container ofbubble solution, the opening of which container might have a smallerdiameter than the diameter of the forward portion of the funnel. Thefolded funnel might be narrowed down to have an opening which even mightbe as narrow as a slot. The initial soap film forms quicker and moreeasily by spanning a smaller opening than a larger one, yet, when thefunnel is withdrawn from the liquid and the bubble is blown, the funnelopens to its full diameter and delievers a full-sized bubble.

Another advantage of the highly flexible bubble forming adapter 21 isthat, when blowing large bubbles, it is possible to squeeze with thefingers and lock the neck 21a of the funnel in order to prevent the airfrom flowing out of the bubble. This happens when it is necessary tointerrupt the blowing in order to take a new breath as is repeatedlynecessary for continuous blowing of large bubbles.

FIGURES 3 and 4 depict a bubble forming device for forming chains orgarlands of bubbles, having relatively small pouch 24 which device canbe either permanently or as an adapter or exchangeable head, connectedto tubular member 20. The bubble forming flexible member 25 may comprisea knitted or napped fabric or cloth, or a fabric or cloth with cut oruncut loops 26. Such pouches absorb a relatively large amount of bubbleforming aqueous solution to provide enough material for long chains(FIGS. 12, 13, 14). By pressing air through the tube or tubular member20, bubbles 27 form through the pores, pile, nap or loops of the fabricand stream forward in one continuous stream. Other materials describedherein (summary of the invention), may be used for the bubble formingflexible member. Some of these materials are shown in FIGS. 9, 9a, 10and FIG. 9, showing a fine mesh 28, FIG. 9a showing a coarser mesh 29,FIG. 10 showing a cut or uncut looped material 30 with retainer 34 andFIG. 16 showing lace or lattice material 50.

As heretofore stated the bubble forming device may be permanentlyattached or connected to tubular member 20 or may be in the form of anexchangeable head or adapter detachably connected to tubular member 20,so that different forms of bubble blowing devices may be used. In thebubble blowing device 24 depicted in FIG. 3, the bubble blowing flexiblemember 23 through which bubble forming aqueous solution is to be exuded,is secured to a ferrule or sleeve 31 adapted to snugly fit over theouter wall of the tubular member 20, the flexible member 25 beingsecured to sleeve 31 by a suitable retaining ring 32. In FIG. 4 thebubble blowing member 25 is secured to a ferrule or sleeve 33 adapted tosnugly fit the inside wall of tubular member 20, the flexible member 25being secured to sleeve 33 by a suitable retaining ring 34. In FIG. 5,the bubble blowing flexible member 25a is made taut over sleeve 31, theformer being maintained such against the latter by ring 32.

In the foregoing examples, the bubble forming flexible member and thetubular member or blowing pipe to which it is connected are made ofdifferent materials.

It may be readily seen that the bubble forming device may be soldcompletely assembled or as a knocked down or do-it-yourself kit.

In FIG. 6 there is depicted a bubble blowing adapter comprising a member35 having a tubular shank 36 portion tightly fitting within tubularmember or blow pipe 20 and an enlarged cupshaped head 37 against whichthe open end 38 of tubular member 20 abuts. Head 37 has a centralopening 39. Within and resting on the bottom of head 37 may bepositioned the membrane or dampener 22 made of plastic, fabric or anysuitable material, for a purpose hereinbefore stated in relation to thedampening device which has been described with reference to FIG. 1.Fitting at the top of cup 37 and extending therewithin, for example inthe shape of a smaller cup, is the bubble blowing member 40, at leastthe frame 40b of which is preferably substantially rigid in relation tothe bubble blowing flexible members heretofore described. It may be madeof plastic or any other suitable material. Member 40 is provided with abottom portion or part 41 having a plurality of openings 40a and mayform a grid through which the bubble forming aqueous solution is exuded.Bottom 41 may be made integral with and of the same material as frame40b or may be made of any suitable material.

According to FIG. 11, there is shown a bubble form ing device insubstantially the shape of a small drum or cylinder generally indicatedby the numeral 45. Drum or cylinder 45, about 2 to 2 /2 inches indiameter has a fiat top 42 and a flat bottom 43. From the bottom 43protrudes an adapter tube 44 about one inch long; one end of tube 44either fits tightly within the front end of tubular member 20 or isslipped tightly thereover, the other end of tube 44 leading into thedrum portion 45. From top 42 protrude a plurality of open tubes 46, eachabout 1 /2 inches long, leading from the inside cylinder or drum portion45 to the open air. Each one of these protruding tubes 46, in turn, isthen closed by a little pouch 24 as previously described. By blowinginto the blowing pipe or tubular member 20 a plurality of bubble streamswill emerge, which may stay separate (FIG. 11) or may unite to form onelarge garland, depending on the diameter of the individual pouches andthe distance at which they are arranged from each other.

By using a bubble forming flexible member or an adapter with a tightlywoven, looped pouch, bubble chains can be blown against a shaped wire ora branched piece of wood or other frame which may serve as a skeleton orsupport for the bubble chains. Depending on the shape of such support,forms can be produced with foam bubbles simulating sculptures similar inappearance to, for example, snow sculptures.

In FIG. 15, there is shown a skeleton 51 made of any suitable material.By means of a bubble forming device heretofore described, particular onewherein the bubble forming member has small interstices, bubbles areblown gently on form or skeleton 51 by air pressure to form a sculpturegenerally indicated by the numeral 52. The foam or bubbles thussupported may last several hours and may change to a cobweb-liketexture. It can be seen that very interesting sculpture forms may beproduced by selecting the desired skeleton.

I claim:

1. A toy bubble pipe adapted to be held in the users hands for blowinglong directionally oriented interconnected bubble chains, comprising atubular member having a passageway, one end of said passagewaycomprising a mouthpiece into which a user blows air by mouth, abubble-forming membrane connected to the tubular member at the other endof said passageway and communicating therewith to receive air flowingthrough the passageway from the users month, said membrane being offlexible material and entirely covering and loosely stretched acrosssaid other end of said passageway, said membrane having a multiplicityof substantially minute interstices and a multiplicity of flexibleliquid film holding elements for holding a bubble making solutionpreparatory to the solution being released from said elements and forfacilitating the maintenance of liquid films whereby a long continuouschain of directionally oriented interconnected bubbles is produced whenthe user blows air through said passageway with the chain being free ofthe pipe except at said membrane.

2. A toy bubble pipe according to claim 1 wherein said References Citedmembrane is looped material.

3. A toy bubble pipe according to claim 1 wherein UNITED STATES PATENTSsaid membrane is a cut looped material. 565,332 8/1896 Daugherty- 4. Atoy bubble pipe according to claim 1 wherein 5 1,020,708 3/1912 Marshall46 6 said membrane comprises a fabric. 1,418,755 6/1922 Voelchert 46 65. A toy bubble pipe according to claim 1 wherein said 2133'499 10/1938Dolan 40-40623 bubble-forming device has at least one opening thereinlarger than said passageway through which air blown ROBERT PESHOcKPnmaryExaminer into said passageway may be expelled and said membrane 10 C. R.WENTZEL, Assistant Examiner.

is loosely stretched across said opening.

